145 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes processed as Racha grape harvest gets underway

In Racha, specifically in the Ambrolauri municipality, 145 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties have been processed so far.

According to the National Wine Agency, this year’s forecast harvest for the Racha-Lechkhumi region is expected to be around three thousand tonnes.

In the initial phase, grape reception points will open in communities located on the right bank of the Rioni River. To avoid queues, the harvesting and delivery process must be carried out in an organised manner, in line with a schedule agreed upon with the headquarters,” the agency stated.

To stimulate private-sector participation and ensure the efficient intake of the crop, the Georgian government is implementing a targeted subsidy scheme in the Racha region. Wineries purchasing and processing at least three tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown within the designated Khvanchkara micro-zone will receive a state subsidy of 4 GEL per kilogram, provided they pay viticulturists a minimum price of 8 GEL per kilogram.

To preserve the varietal authenticity and strict quality standards of the protected designation of origin (PDO) wines Khvanchkara and Racha, specialist ampelographers are monitoring all grape reception points. In addition, dedicated checkpoints have been established at entry routes into the region to prevent grapes grown in other municipalities from being transported in and blended with authentic Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli yields.

An official Rtveli Coordination Headquarters has opened in Ambrolauri to oversee operations. Meanwhile, the harvest remains in full swing in the Kakheti region, where approximately 273,000 tonnes of grapes have been processed as of 14 October.